معرفی
Kent Engelhardt is a Professor at the Dana School of Music & University Theatre at Youngstown State University (YSU). He has maintained a dual career as both an academic scholar and professional performer, with faculty appointments at YSU since 1994, Lakeland Community College (1991-2011), and the Youngstown State University Summer Jazz Camp (1997-1999). As a Conn-Selmer Artist and active musician, he bridges scholarly research with practical musical application through performance.
Dr. Engelhardt's educational background includes:
- PhD in Ethnomusicology/Jazz from the University of Pittsburgh (2001)
- MA in Ethnomusicology/Jazz from the University of Pittsburgh (1999)
- BM in Performance/Clarinet from Youngstown State University (1993)
- MM in Performance/Jazz from Youngstown State University (1986)
His research focuses on Kansas City Jazz, Charlie Parker, and Tadd Dameron, with particular emphasis on jazz composition, arranging, and historical performance practices. Dr. Engelhardt has created 47 critical editions and arrangements of Dameron's music, representing one of the most comprehensive scholarly efforts on this important jazz composer. His work combines meticulous historical research with practical musical application, often resulting in performances that bring historical works to contemporary audiences. His teaching interests span Jazz Studies: Improvisation, Composition/Arranging, Ethnomusicology, and instruction on multiple instruments including saxophone, flute, clarinet, and piano.
Dr. Engelhardt's scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on preserving and reinterpreting jazz history, particularly the works of Tadd Dameron. His research spans from historical analysis of Count Basie's arrangements to contemporary reinterpretations of Dameron's music for modern big bands. The January 2023 release of "Central Avenue Swing & Our Delight" represents the culmination of years of research into Dameron's work, featuring 22 new editions and arrangements that have received significant critical acclaim.
His scholarly contributions have been recognized through multiple university research appointments:
- YSU Research Professorship 2011-2012: "The 'Head' Arrangements of the Count Basie Orchestra 1937-1939"
- YSU Research Professorship 2012-2013: "Musical Contextualization of Charlie Parker's Solos with The Jay McShann Orchestra"
- CCAC re-assigned time 2013-2014: "The Music of Tadd Dameron for Harlan Leonard and his Rockets"
- YSU Research Professorship 2016-2017: "Tadd Dameron: The Magic Touch" for Dameron's centennial
His recording "Central Avenue Swing & Our Delight" (2023) received significant recognition, being named among the "Top 25 Jazz Recordings of 2023" by Scott Yanow and appearing in the "Top 10 Critics Poll in Cadence Magazine," with additional reviews from major jazz publications including Jazz Wax, LA Jazz Scene, and All About Jazz.
As an educator and performer, Dr. Engelhardt has mentored countless students through his teaching positions and ensemble leadership. His Madd For Tadd ensemble serves as both a creative outlet and educational platform, having performed at numerous festivals including the TRI-C Jazz Fest, Kaleidoscope Festival, and Lakeland Jazz Festival. Dr. Engelhardt's research has been consistently supported by university grants, enabling him to preserve and reinterpret important jazz repertoire for contemporary audiences.
Dr. Engelhardt leads the Madd For Tadd ensemble, which focuses on performing and recording Tadd Dameron's music in new arrangements for big band. The ensemble has performed at major jazz festivals and venues including the TRI-C Jazz Fest, Cleveland's Bop Stop, and BLU-Jazz. Recently, he has expanded the reach of his work by performing Dameron's music with the Orlando Jazz Orchestra and at the University of South Florida, demonstrating the national recognition of his scholarly and artistic contributions to jazz studies.
